Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite

We all know how Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The thing is he hanged himself before Jesus died on the cross so he went to (supposedly) hell.

But after Jesus died on the cross he went to the underworld and preached there. Is it possible that Judas might have been redeemed there, or is it safe to presume that the only ones that Jesus preached to in the underworld were those who hadn't heard the gospel in their lifetime?

What church doctrines/beliefs are there on these issues? Are they even related?

share|improve this question
1  
That scripture in 1 Peter 3:18-20 is heavily debated. Some take the "spirits in prison" to be the fallen angels in the days of Noah (cp. Gen. 6:1-3; 1 Enoch; 2 Pet. 2:4; etc.). If that is so, Jesus did not preach the Gospel, to them, but made declaration to them of his triump (cp. 1 Pet. 3:22). – H3br3wHamm3r81 Feb 20 at 17:11

1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote accepted

There is good reason to believe that we will not see Judas in heaven. Jesus spoke of His betrayer with these words:

The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Matthew 26:24 ESV

As @Paul A Clayton noted in this comment, John 17:12 is more emphatic:

None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. John 17:12b NIV

If Jesus said that it would have been better for Judas had he never been born, then it is hard to imagine that he is in heaven now. Since Jesus is omniscient, if Judas were to have another opportunity to respond to the gospel after his death--which I don't believe he did--then Jesus would have also known the outcome of that and would not have said what He did.

Judas did, however, feel remorse, but there is a significant, even eternal difference between remorse and repentance. He certainly could have repented of what he did and returned to Jesus, but it appears he felt remorse and probably shame. His suicide appears to be a result of that and not of biblical repentance.

share|improve this answer
3  
John 17:12b is even more convincing: "None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled." (NIV) – Paul A. Clayton Feb 20 at 21:36
@PaulA.Clayton Thanks. I knew there were other references, but didn't take the time to look it up. I've added the verse you mentioned. – Narnian Feb 20 at 21:58

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.